Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail

I pretty much love everything Ashley Herring Blake writes, and this was no exception. An adorable storyline with such great characters. I think Ashley’s writing for an adult audience (as opposed to her usual YA and middle grade) has really improved from the first installment in the Bright Fall’s trilogy (which I also loved, but the writing at times felt a little awkward - this seemed way better). Couldn’t get enough of Jordan’s character and the whole friend group truly has great banter and chemistry. Super fun, witty, romantic story that I would definitely re-read and recommend to others!

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sdupont's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I really enjoyed this book! I was so excited when I found out Astrid was getting her own book. I think this book did a good job or showing all the sides of her character especially her vulnerabilities around perfection and failure. I thought the premise of Astrid and Jordan working together on a renovation show was fun. I felt this sequel was more well rounded than the first book (which I did enjoy). I would recommend this read for fans of HGTV and workplace romances.

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penandpages's review against another edition

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lighthearted

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

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librariangeorgia's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I think it’s safe to say that this is my new favourite series - which is unusual for me since I don’t usually go for romance books.

I have to say, I didn’t expect it to go down the path that it did - I was expecting Astrid and Jordon to co-own Bright Designs with Isobel being bought out of the business.

I loved the Astrid/Iris/Claire friendship yet again, plus the addition of Delilah and Jordon. I liked how Delilah and Claire’s relationship from the previous book continued to be a part of the story.

The only negative was that the way some characters reacted in certain situations were a bit over the top but I guess the drama was needed…

I am so looking forward to reading about Iris in the next book!

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betweentheshelves's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I could just keep reading about this little group in Bright Falls forever. Blake has created such a realistic cast of characters, all struggling with their own things, and I love them. They've created their own little queer oasis in this small town in Oregon, and I am here for it. Plus, getting to see familiar characters from the first book is just a fun time.

You don't necessarily have to read [book:Delilah Green Doesn't Care|54756850] to get the happenings in this book, but it does give you a good background on some of the other characters that we meet. Blake gets to build on Astrid's character in this book, as she unpacks a bunch of stuff she learned growing up and finally learns to be happy. There is great chemistry between her and Jordan, and I enjoyed the way their relationship evolved throughout the book. Jordan also has her own things to work through. Astrid and Jordan help each other work through their anxieties, their trauma, and make each other better for it.

If you're looking for some adult sapphic romance to read, I definitely recommend this series! I've loved both books I've read so far, and can't wait to get Iris's story next fall.

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cassielaj's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

After reading Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, I did not expect to love Astrid’s story even more, but here we are. I love Astrid and Jordan as characters, their individual development and confidence building as well as their relationship development. I also love AHB’s books for the depiction of female friendship/found family — this series’ friend group is one of my favorites in fiction. Also, the inn renovation aspects of this are so much fun!

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bookswithca's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

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purplepenning's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

After breaking up with her fiance in "Delilah Green Doesn't Care," ice queen Astrid Parker is struggling to regain her footing. Her interior design business is faltering, her uber-judgmental mother is looming larger than ever, and her nerves are frayed. Which almost explains her struggles to remain polite, aloof, and professional around Jordan Sherwood, the lead carpenter on the historic inn renovation project that is the key to securing Astrid's success and her mother's approval.

The Sherwood Inn has been in Jordan's family for generations and in her own heart for decades. She's recovering from heartbreak and grief and can't seem to do anything right anymore, but she can keep the inn from getting modernized into blandness by the predictably uptight Astrid.

A little light sabotage and a few power struggles raise more than the resident ghost at the inn in this enemies-to-lovers romance that features a later-in-life queer awakening and the excellent ride-or-die friends from the first book. Even though it has allllll the right vibes and backstories to appeal to me (historic inn! hot carpenter chick! perfectionist unraveling! implementing healthy boundaries!) the story and development just didn't flow for me. I'll definitely still check out Iris's story coming in book 3, though!

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